A Monk in the World

Somewhere along the way, I stumbled upon Abbey of the Arts. Sometime later, I subscribed an e-newsletter from this blogger. These emails always seem to arrive when I need them. They poke at my own spiritual journey. They expose that awareness of the divine that I had somehow neglected or ignored.

That’s exactly what happened when I received this Invitation to Poetry. I had previously read the Monk Manifesto — but hadn’t really focused upon it. Sure. I’m aware of my own growing need to explore my spirituality with others. I don’t just want to talk about beliefs, but how we choose to reveal those beliefs in the actions we take. I’m keenly aware of how important ancient practices — like hospitality and keeping sabbath — are to my own spiritual journey. Moreover, I know that it’s not just me. Our church people are hunting for it. Our kids require it. But, somehow, these words didn’t grab me until the question was asked: “Where was your inner monk born?”

So, I offer to all that is holy, the words have been invited from my heart.